Chester, United KingdomUpton
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
Savannah safari lodges
Upton   Chester, United Kingdom
Opened
2025
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Resort LuxeOutside the door
The house
Chester ZooSavannah safari lodges
Guests sleep alongside grazing herds inside the zoo grounds, gathering around lakeside firepits for ranger stories when darkness falls.
What it’s good at
Notable
Terracotta plaster walls and dusky linens meet handwoven cushions from Cape Town weavers.
Notable
Private savannah paddocks with roaming giraffes, plus after-hours zoo tours using night-vision goggles.
Listed
Private balconies have freestanding copper soaking tubs overlooking the giraffe and zebra paddocks.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Inside Chester Zoo across private savannah grounds, looking onto roaming giraffes and a nature lake.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto wide viewing decks above the paddocks, and select bathrooms add walk-in steam showers.
The spa
Amboseli Restaurant
Solid wood tables and olive banquettes line the dining room, looking across the terrace toward the nature lake.
Bar
Tsavo Lounge and Lakeside Terrace
Stools ring the circular island bar under a wooden canopy, and drinks carry out to the lakeside terrace.
How it began
Chester Zoo built the lodges as its first overnight stay, using guest bookings to fund wildlife conservation projects across Africa.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.